I have been using EOTechs on ARs for a year or so now, and I've used the RRA Dominator on one, and an ARMS #40 with no riser on another. Both have been perfect, and the front sight has never bothered me at all...

UNTIL just the other day, I was taking the fluted mid-length barrel off my upper, and I got stupid and put the EOTech back on after the front sight tower was removed... WOW that was a great sight picture! Now I just can't get past that stupid front sight! I see it more than ever, and now I want the front sight on this one build to go away!

I'll be using a DD 9.0 on a CMMG 14.5" mid-length, and I do have an ad posted on WTT for a DD 12.0, but I just don't know if I want "that" look anyway. So I'm thinking about a picatinny gas block or a PRI folding front sight/gas block combo. But I've never handled or used one, and I don't know if I'm going to like it or regret it.

The reason this is a big deal is, since the barrel is 14.5" I of course have to send it off to have the flash suppressor permanently installed before I even feel comfortable bringing it home. (The barrel is at someone's house who doesn't own any ARs, so no lowers to be "illegal SBR") Once I make the decision, I'm going to be stuck with it on that particular rifle...

SO tell me please, what are the pros and cons of the barrel mounted PRI folding front sight?

Its not totally rigid in the up position it has some play, not that it affects accuracy that much but I found it annoying. Its not super fast to get up and when your barrel gets very hot it will burn you to deploy it if you are not wearing gloves. It is not as sturdy as a pinned FSB and I had to tighten my screws every few range sessions. I loved the picture with it folded and the hooded front sight... I just did not like the PRI as a whole and would not buy another. It will NOT take those front sight tools that have A1 or A2 rear adjustments on one side and A2 front sight adjustments on the other. Its opening is too small. I had to use a punch to adjust the front sight and it was a pain. I wish they made a version that had less play in the up position, did not lock in the down position (so it was easy to flip up), and required taper pins to install. Untill they make that I will stick to rail mounted front sights like Troy if I want to get a folder and keep the pinned front sight base.

Thanks for the in-depth review DevL... That's definitely not the first time I've read someone say their PRI wobbles. And I agree that it's crazy to have it "locked" in the down postion. A ball detent that held it in place until you pulled on it would be better.

Originally Posted By chromeluv:mine has no play? and it isn't locked in the down position? and I have never burnt my hands after locking it up...?

maybe im confused

Is your the barrel mounted version?

Originally Posted By JumboJim:I have no experience with the PRI either but I'm with you on a folding BUIS.

For my flat-top build I went with a pic railed gas block with a YHM pic gas block mounted folding iron sight and ARMS 40 rear and will order an EOTech 512 soon.

I like the option of being able to fold the BUIS down out of the way of the EOTech if I choose to.

The YHM single-rail gas block is another consideration. One could always hope Samson might make a gas block mounted version one day

I'd really like to find one of the older "set screw" YHM front sight/gas blocks. I don't like the new 4-screw clamp with the bayonet lug. It looks too bulky.

Originally Posted By DevL:Its not totally rigid in the up position it has some play, not that it affects accuracy that much but I found it annoying. Its not super fast to get up and when your barrel gets very hot it will burn you to deploy it if you are not wearing gloves. It is not as sturdy as a pinned FSB and I had to tighten my screws every few range sessions. I loved the picture with it folded and the hooded front sight... I just did not like the PRI as a whole and would not buy another. It will NOT take those front sight tools that have A1 or A2 rear adjustments on one side and A2 front sight adjustments on the other. Its opening is too small. I had to use a punch to adjust the front sight and it was a pain. I wish they made a version that had less play in the up position, did not lock in the down position (so it was easy to flip up), and required taper pins to install. Untill they make that I will stick to rail mounted front sights like Troy if I want to get a folder and keep the pinned front sight base.

Big plus one. Same thing happened to me. I ended up selling my two PRI sights and went to rail mounted sights. Very happy I did. The wobble is what really pissed me off the most. Damn things cost 160 bucks each.

Originally Posted By Ellery_Holt:Thanks for saving me the dissapointment, guys. I'll figure out some other option, rather than PRI's sight.

What really pissed me off about the PRI sight was it WOULD NOT ZERO AT 50 YARDS WITH AN ARMS 40 rear sight. After all the proud photos of SPR builds shown here, I felt ripped off because no one had mentioned zeroing issues. The pos is in my junk box for now.

I agree with almost every comment DevL posted about the PRI and have one myself. The only difference is I had MSTN install mine and so far it has not come loose. I would witness mark the hex screws anyway just for good measure though.

However, the one thing that is really nice about it is you can align sights very quickly with the full hood - kind of circle within a circle and then put the post where you want .223 holes to appear. I really love the sight picture, enough that I am willing to put up with all of the other issues.

In practical terms the rig has not yet been any less accurate or reliable than my fixed FSB; but I don't have near the same rounds through it yet either and I baby this rig a bit more.

both are on the barrel tight and dont think they are going anywhere, after zeroing and making sure the gas port was aligned perfectly i red locktited them and ever since they have not come apart. the skinny bbl. has around 5-6k through it since the fsb install. i do see where it could burn you after a shooting session and trying to deploy the sight but there are numerous ways to avoid being burnt, like using a whatever is laying around to lift it.

mine locks in the up pos and has slight "play" in it but i wouldnt call it a wobble.

i guess i must be really lucky to get the two that work so well and that i installed it so good.

FUNction over form

my replies consist of my opinions, my $0.02 worth so take it or leave it

Huh, didnt know so many people had issues with them. I have a few of them and like them quite a bit. There is play in the front sight when it is up, but I never really let it bother me. I like barrel mounted front sights over rail mounted front sights. Not that the difference is dramatic or anything, but the barrel mounted ones are (a little) better.

Originally Posted By new-arguy:Huh, didnt know so many people had issues with them. I have a few of them and like them quite a bit. There is play in the front sight when it is up, but I never really let it bother me. I like barrel mounted front sights over rail mounted front sights. Not that the difference is dramatic or anything, but the barrel mounted ones are (a little) better.

i too feel more comfortable with bbl. mounted front sights over rail mounted ones, less to go wrong.

FUNction over form

my replies consist of my opinions, my $0.02 worth so take it or leave it

I don't like the looks of an exposed gas block with the regular length forend and rail mounted sight, but I do like the low pro gas block and rifle length tube with a rail mounted sight. I've had LOTS of response from members who will trade me a DD 12.0 for my 9.0. I'm actually waiting to hear about a used DD 12.0 for sale, so I can "try both" and see if I like the rifle length tube. If not, I've still got the other one.

Fortunately, I'm thinking ahead, so my flash suppressor is not permanently attached yet. (The barrel is also stored at a non-AR owner's house )

If I go with the rifle length tube, I will most likely go with the Samson. I still like the PRI too, so the PRI rail mounted is a close second. I consider the sight picture of both to be a BIG plus from the standard pitchfork.

I looked at the Samson barrel mounted sight, but that thing is a KLUGE compared to the 100% nail on the head the rail mounted one is...

Set screws? Everyone HATED the set screws on the PRI unless their barrel had flats.

And I know it probably saved money on having to manufacture a different height of arm, but unless you have the Samson rail, that big, honking base would look ridiculous.

I think it was a HUGE mistake to design a BARREL MOUNTED front sight that integrates INSIDE of extended length forends! Except for people who already have that specific Samson extended rail, who the heck is going to choose that setup over the less expensive route of a plain rifle length forend and the rail mounted sight?

I think Samson should consider a gas block mounted sight that works EXACTLY like the rail mounted one, just with the longer arm. He could use the same base as the rail mount to save money there. I also think a serious re-do of the barrel mounted version is in order. I guess the proof will be in the SALES.

Thanks again for all the input... I'm still completely undecided as yet, but at least I am more aware of what I'm getting myself into with each of the options.

P.S. - Can anyone tell me if there is any noticeable weight difference between the PRI barrel mounted front sight and a standard front sight base? Among other things, I'm figuring to see what will change the rifle's balance more, the rifle forend/rail sight combo or just adding the PRI.